Hotspot in the harbor

On the site of three outdated pavilions in the Leuvehaven, a historic location in the Maritime District of Rotterdam, we created the new Leuve Pavilion: a single compact pavilion that replaces the old separate buildings.

Project
Leuve Pavilion

Location
Rotterdam, the Netherlands

Client
Municipality of Rotterdam

Size
1,400 m2

Program
Port Visit Center, Maritime Museum, and hospitality

Status
Completed

The place to learn about the port

The new pavilion brings together various functions in a single building. It is home to the Port Visit Center of the Port of Rotterdam, where visitors can get to know the port of Rotterdam. You will also find the new workshops of the Maritime Museum here. This is where welders, blacksmiths, and carpenters work on maintaining the historic fleet in the museum harbor. At both ends of the building, there is a fish restaurant and an ice cream parlor.

8 meters wide

Due to strict urban planning regulations, the building was only allowed to be eight meters wide, just like the old pavilions. This resulted in an elongated building that stretches along and runs parallel to the Schiedamsedijk and the quay.

The building has been made as transparent as possible at eye level, so that the activities inside are clearly visible.

A facade inspired by the harbor

Above the plinth, the facade is clad with aluminum panels in triangular shapes. These shapes refer to the steel truss structures and cranes from the harbor. In some places, the triangles are omitted so that the facade not only gains depth but also creates a play of light and shadow. The triangular panels have various degrees of gloss, which, under the influence of daylight, suggest the sparkle and reflection of the water in the harbor.

Reuse construction

The new building has been entirely designed based on the reuse of the existing foundation and the main portals of the steel structure from the old pavilions. Other parts of the steel structure have been used as donor profiles in the new building. In this way, the old elements have been used sustainably, and a piece of history is also reflected in the new building.